Letters To The Editor

September 20, 1989

MORGAN'S SACRIFICE

Solomon's wisdom has been acclaimed throughout history based on a case very similar to the one involving Elizabeth Morgan and her former husband, Eric Foretich. Stated simply, two women approach the king, each claiming to be the mother of the same child. This king, endued with wisdom from God, says, "Cut the child in half and let each woman have half." One woman agrees this would be fair; the other, the true mother who really loves the child, says, "God forbid. Let her have the whole child." The real mother knew that this decision would be an enormous price to pay, however, she saw the cost as being far less than the alternative of the death of the child. By this, the king knew beyond a shadow of a doubt the identity of the true mother.

I see the price Morgan is paying. I do not think any one of us would like to be in her shoes. I do not, however, see any concessions being made by Foretich. I guess he would rather see their daughter cut in half.

What rights does a mother have in protecting her children? I salute you Elizabeth Morgan. May God not tarry in coming to your aid.

Barbara D. Lovett

Hampton

GOP TRICKS?

Your paper printed a letter Sept. 11 suggesting that Lt. Gov. Douglas Wilder's opponent, or his supporters, may have had a hand in the troubles in Virginia Beach.

I wish to support that view and to say that I had the same thought. According to an article in your paper this spring, Lee Atwater came to Norfolk and consulted with the Republican Party of Virginia. At that time he advised them to "hit the hot buttons" hard and often. He defended his use of the Willie Horton commercial as an effective part of that strategy.

It was apparent to me that the Virginia Beach situation, known to be brewing for so long, was simply too good an opportunity to miss. Provoking misbehavior and creating racial tensions would simply be too good a means of stirring up Virginians during the election period.

I think we should all - especially local government officials and the news media - be on guard for situations with this potential, and bend every effort to see that advantage is not taken of them.

Ruth Rouse

Grafton

SOBERICK FOR 98TH

I read on this page a few days ago a letter from Virginia's No. 1 Republican attacking Mike Soberick because his fellow Democrats (and other democratic folks) were contributing enthusiastically to his campaign for the House of

Delegates.

Now, that enthusiasm is not strange to me. Over the years, Mike built an outstanding record of service as Gloucester's county attorney. I had occasion to cross swords with him on several issues. During those years, I found him intelligent, well-informed and hard-working; a most energetic and persuasive advocate, no doubt about it. But, along with that, always honest, fair and considerate of the opposing view.

And that's the man the 98th District needs to represent us in Richmond. With the federal government and the General Assembly continuing to cut funding for schools, health, bridges, highways and most everything else, we must have aggressive representation for all of us - not just the privileged few.

Granville Hall

Gloucester

HUMANE HELP

An article in the Daily Press of Sept. 6 reported the Gloucester County supervisors do not want any help from the Humane Society regarding the stray cat problem. This saddens the members of the Humane Society because it means many animals and citizens will be uncared for. The public should be aware that the county administration has worked with and helped the Humane Society many times, and the society is grateful for their hard work and dedication. It is only a few of our elected officials who seem to think they can do it all.

I thank John Northstein for being concerned enough to bring our request before the board again. The society did not ask for this. It was an action taken by a man who cares about the people he represents. I would also like to thank William Belvin for his continued support and kind words on our behalf.

I do have a comment to direct to George Sterling. He is quoted as saying the Humane Society "is a private group that has nothing to do with the governing of this county." I was not aware that by joining a group that is concerned with public service I was required to forfeit my constitutional right to vote and voice my opinion. The Humane Society members are the voting public. We are concerned with all aspects of our community.

Perhaps Mr. Sterling has forgotten that last year while the Animal Control Division impounded 614 Gloucester animals, the Humane Society took in 2,009 Gloucester animals with only a $3,000 contribution from Gloucester County, thus saving the county thousands of dollars.

We are committed to helping the animals of the seven county areas we serve for as long as we are financially able to do so. The Humane Society will continue to do more than our share. It would certainly be nice to have a little help and a little support from our elected officials.

Kim R. Downing

Assistant Treasurer

Gloucester-Mathews

Humane Society

The Daily Press welcomes a wide variety of views on issues of public interest. Letters must be signed by hand and, in order to verify authorship, include the writer's address and telephone number. Because of space limitations, all letters are subject to editing. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Va. 23607.